Machine Nation News Team
June 30, 2025 at 10:20:52 AM
Small Satellite Maker Muon Space Announced $89.5 Million In New Funding To Scale Production And Acquire Propulsion Startup Starlight Engines
Muon Space, a Mountain View, California-based small satellite manufacturer, announced on June 12, 2025, an $89.5 million Series B1 funding round, bringing its total Series B funding to $146 million, including $44.5 million in equity and $45 million in credit facilities. The capital supports a tenfold expansion of its 130,000-square-foot production facility in San Jose, California, capable of producing up to 500 satellites annually in the 100–500 kg+ class. Muon also acquired Starlight Engines, a 2022 propulsion startup, integrating its zinc-fueled Hall-effect thruster system into Muon’s Halo platform, reducing costs by 40% compared to xenon-based systems. The project sustains 150 jobs, with a 50% workforce increase since December 2024, and supports California’s 70,000-strong manufacturing workforce. Aligned with tariff-driven reshoring under President Trump’s 25% steel tariffs, Muon’s $100 million in 2024 contracts, including a deal with SNC for the Vindlér RF sensing constellation, targets a $5 billion satellite market. CEO Jonny Dyer emphasized delivering “mission-optimized constellations at unprecedented speed.”
For the precision machining industry, Muon’s expansion and acquisition highlight the critical role of clamping force in satellite component manufacturing. Parts like thruster housings require CNC milling with precise clamping forces, typically 500–2,000 pounds, to secure workpieces, achieving tolerances within ±0.0005 inches and surface roughness as low as Ra 4 µin for lightweight alloys. 5-axis milling machines, optimized with controlled clamping force to prevent workpiece distortion, ensure precision in automated production with real-time quality control. The project drives demand for local machine shops to supply precision tooling, adopting Industry 4.0 technologies like AI-driven milling and additive manufacturing. As part of a $50 billion precision manufacturing market, this initiative creates opportunities for suppliers in California, where manufacturing jobs grew 2% since 2022, strengthening aerospace supply chains.
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Social Media Buzz (powered by X):
X is buzzing about Muon Space’s $89.5 million funding and Starlight acquisition, with posts on July 5, 2025, calling it a “satellite production leap.” Users praised the 150 jobs, with one noting “San Jose’s space hub soars,” while another tied it to “reshoring aerospace tech.” Some questioned the zinc thruster’s scalability. The sentiment reflects optimism for innovation but cautious scrutiny.
What is the Clamping Force?
This is one of many key terms of our broad Machine Nation Essential Modern Precision Industries Guidebook (MPIG). Click here to get a copy straight to your inbox.
Clamping Force - The force applied to secure a workpiece during CNC milling, measured in pounds, critical for preventing distortion and ensuring precision in component production.
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Related Tags:
#MuonSpace #StarlightEngines #ClampingForce #PrecisionMachining #SatelliteManufacturing #Reshoring